Portugal: Quality service

Tim Faircliff improves his forehand in the Algarve on courts used by Borg and McEnroe

12:00AM GMT 01 Nov 2002

The lure of year-round sunshine took me to Portugal for a three-day tennis tonic. As a regular player I never find time for expert tuition and with my wife alongside, the chance to concentrate on the game was an exciting prospect.

Within 30 minutes of touch down at Faro, I am in the heart of Vale Do Lobo, a resort founded in 1962 by Trust House Forte and Costains. Since 1977 it has grown under the watchful eye of Dutch jewellery magnate, Sander van Gelder. His resort utilises tourism as a shop window for selling land and properties: the estate agent's office is located in the heart of the restaurants area.

The notion of such resorts can fill some people with a sense of "Big Brother" dread: 24-hour security (on mopeds); on-site supermarket; futuristic central reservation zone; CCTV although no Hi-di-hi chimes in the morning. English is spoken all the time and there was little sense that we were in Portugal, merely somewhere sunny, tidy and exclusive. A very upmarket version of "Eldorado" was my initial but unfair thought. If you were hoping to experience Portuguese culture you would be disappointed; Sky TV was showing in all the bars. However, we felt a sense of relief that everything was easy and there were no language barriers. Taxi from the airport, car hire waiting at reception, a guide to take us to our apartment and the all important tennis lessons already booked for 10 am.

The temperate climate here is perfect for year-round tennis and has attracted the big names such as Borg and McEnroe (this year's Vale Do Lobo ATP Seniors champion) to its 14 outdoor, all weather court tennis complex. Sheltered by shady trees, the quality of the tuition was excellent with the Portuguese coaches speaking good English.

Tennis lessons can often be intimidating, especially if you are a little rusty but here my inhibitions were soon removed as the coach quickly analysed my strokes and fitness with a relaxed and informal style. They knew I was here to enjoy myself, not to win Wimbledon.

My wife, a complete beginner, experienced her first tennis tuition and found the coaches able to boost her confidence, as well as develop the basic strokes in the space of a few hours. The tennis academy (formerly run by Roger Taylor) is now managed by Pedro Frazao, a former Portugese national player, and boasts a modern fitness centre with steam, sauna and outdoor swimming pool. These facilities are all included within the tennis package and with a courtside bar and restaurant we had no excuse but to recover quickly, ready for the next lesson.

They operate a useful scheme for matching players so I was able to meet and play with five year Vale Do Lobo resident Miles Molloy (1-6, 2-6, 2-6 for the record). He explained to me how he uses his property as a second home and investment by renting it through Vale Do Lobo during May-September while he works at home in Dublin. He then visits when possible for the remainder of the year. He was full of praise for the coaching and facilities of the tennis centre and given that his son played Davis Cup tennis for Ireland he should know.

It was special playing on the courts where McEnroe had been a few weeks before, although my game would not have threatened his supremacy. They run a full tuition programme for all ages and abilities ranging from private lessons at 33 euros per hour to weeklong clinics including video analysis and tournaments at 150 euros for the week. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment as well as strengthening your game and tactical approach.

There were other attractions as well as the tennis although for a weekend break little time to explore fully. Two spectacular Golf courses (The Royal and The Ocean) dominate Vale Do Lobo. The Ocean course boasts an incredible 16th hole where hapless golfers tee off from one cliff side towards the green which is mischievously placed beyond a gorge falling away to the beach below.

There are numerous restaurants and bars within the complex to suit all tastes and budgets. We had dinner at the excellent La Place specialising in traditional French cuisine run by Moroccan born Maurice Belhaj. All the eateries and indeed the whole resort are child friendly with a welcoming attitude, practical assistance (numerous high chairs and fully equipped medical centre) and above all a sense of safety. A full crèche and baby-sitting service is offered via the Penguin Children's Village.

We stayed in a one-bedroom apartment with living room, kitchen and sun terrace. Maid service, air conditioning and fluffy dressing gowns all contribute to the five-star resort feel. Although we didn't self cater for the short break, all the equipment was there should we have wished to. Cable TV with all the UK channels meant we could keep up to date with events at home.

Before returning to the delights of Stansted on a Monday night, we sampled the Atlantic surf and beach from where we could see the white villas nestling on the cliff tops by the golf course. Struck by the simplicity of the idea of a self-contained community where everything is clean, safe and efficient (albeit at a price) it is no wonder half the purchasers of property in Vale Do Lobo are British.